Local support, smart strategies, stronger businesses
Staff Spotlight: Aura Mummery
If you’ve stopped by our office this summer, chances are you’ve already met Aura, and if you have, you probably left the conversation with a smile.
Aura has a special way of making people feel welcome from the moment they meet her. With her bubbly personality, positive energy, and genuine interest in others, she naturally brightens a room and brings a warmth that puts both clients and candidates at ease. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she has quickly become a valued member of the West-Can HR team.
Raised on a farm just south of Brandon, Manitoba, Aura learned the importance of hard work, responsibility, and community from an early age. Those values continue to guide her today. Whether she is assisting with HR processes, supporting our team behind the scenes, or helping connect people with new opportunities, she approaches every task with care, professionalism, and a friendly smile.
As our Seasonal Human Resources Administrator, Aura brings more than six years of administrative experience to the role. Her attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and commitment to exceptional service make her a natural fit in human resources. Just as importantly, she brings a people-first approach that reflects the values we strive to uphold every day.
Aura is currently pursuing a diploma in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resource Management. She will begin her second and final year this fall and is on track to graduate in 2027. Her passion for learning, combined with her genuine desire to help others, makes her future in HR an exciting one to watch.
Outside of work, Aura enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner and two daughters. Whether she is capturing special moments through photography, spending time sailing, or relaxing with a knitting project, she brings the same creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication to her personal life that she brings to the office.
We are incredibly fortunate to have Aura on our team this summer. Her bright personality, strong work ethic, and ability to make every conversation a little more enjoyable have already made a lasting impression. We cannot wait to see where her HR journey takes her next!
Image source: Manitoba Advantage – Government of Manitoba
Creating Clear Expectations Through Workplace Documentation
By: West-Can HR
Few workplace decisions are as difficult as terminating an employee. Whether the issue is poor performance, attendance concerns, misconduct, or a lack of fit, employers often find themselves facing a challenging conversation and wondering whether they have taken the right steps leading up to it.
In Manitoba, employers generally have the right to terminate an employee without cause, provided they give the required notice or pay in lieu of notice as outlined by Employment Standards. However, when an employer believes there is just cause for termination, the situation becomes much more complex. In these cases, employers may need to demonstrate that the employee engaged in serious misconduct or repeatedly failed to meet expectations despite being given opportunities to improve.
This is where proper documentation becomes essential.
Many employers have conversations with employees about performance concerns, attendance issues, or workplace conduct, but those discussions are not always documented. Months later, when a termination decision is questioned, managers are often left relying on memory rather than written records. Without documentation, it can be difficult to establish what concerns were raised, when they were discussed, and what steps were taken to address them.
Good documentation helps create a clear record of the employment relationship. Performance reviews, coaching notes, written warnings, attendance records, and follow-up emails can all help demonstrate that expectations were communicated and that employees were given a fair opportunity to succeed. In many cases, this documentation not only supports employment decisions but can also help employees improve their performance before a termination becomes necessary.
Documentation also promotes fairness and consistency within the workplace. When concerns are addressed promptly and recorded appropriately, employees gain a better understanding of expectations and employers are better positioned to make objective decisions. This reduces misunderstandings and helps create a more transparent work environment.
While every workplace situation is unique, one principle remains consistent: decisions are easier to support when they are backed by clear and accurate records. Employers who develop strong documentation practices are often better equipped to manage employee relations, address performance concerns, and navigate difficult workplace decisions with confidence.
At the end of the day, documentation is not simply about protecting the employer. It is about creating a workplace culture where expectations are clear, communication is consistent, and employees are given every reasonable opportunity to succeed before difficult decisions need to be made.
Sources: Manitoba Employment Standards Branch, Termination of Employment Fact Sheet; Just Cause Fact Sheet; Employment Standards Quick Guide.
Celebrate Canada Day in Brandon! (Brandon Riverbank)
– July 1, 2026
Brandon Career Symposium 2027 (Save the Date!)
-March 16-17, 2027
Building a Stronger Safety Culture with Acres Emergency Vehicles
Earlier in June, Rob, Sangeetha, and Regina visited Acres Emergency Vehicles to discuss the company’s health and safety program and explore opportunities to further strengthen workplace safety practices.
The meeting focused on the importance of maintaining a proactive health and safety culture, ensuring employees understand workplace hazards, and creating clear processes that help keep everyone safe on the job. One key area of discussion was the development and implementation of Safe Work Procedures, which provide employees with step-by-step guidance for performing tasks safely and consistently.
The team also discussed how effective health and safety programs not only help reduce workplace incidents and injuries but also support compliance, improve communication, and create a safer and more productive work environment for everyone.
The visit led to meaningful conversations and valuable knowledge sharing between both teams. By the end of the meeting, there was strong enthusiasm for moving forward with implementing and enhancing safety initiatives, including the continued development of Safe Work Procedures tailored to the organization’s operations.
We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with Acres Emergency Vehicles and look forward to supporting them as they continue building a culture where safety remains a priority every day.
Career Connections Employment Preparation Presentation 2.0
The room was filled with questions, and conversations as Team West-Can HR’s Heavenlee and Aura returned to Career Connections for another Employment Preparation session.
This time, the focus was on helping participants feel more confident and prepared for their job search journey. Through interactive discussions, attendees explored common employment and interview terminology, learned what employers are looking for during interviews, and gained practical tips on how to present themselves professionally and confidently.
One of the highlights of the session was seeing participants actively engage, share their experiences, and build a stronger understanding of the hiring process.
At West-Can HR, we believe that knowledge builds confidence. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting Career Connections and its participants as they take important steps toward meaningful employment and career success!
